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To Mop vs Mopping Infinitives & Gerunds

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

Infinitives: An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word "to" (e.g., to swim, to eat, to learn). It can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb in a sentence. Infinitives are often used to express intentions, purposes, desires, or potential actions. Gerunds: A gerund is the -ing form of a verb (e.g., swimming, eating, learning). It’s different from a “present participle” which functions as a verb tense. A gerund can be the subject, object, or complement of a sentence.

When and How to Use Each Expression?

Get a sense of when and how each expression can be used through the following examples!

To mop (Infinitive)

Purpose or Intention: Use the infinitive "to mop" when you want to express a purpose, intention, desire, or potential action

Example

I want to mop the floors before the guests arrive.

Mopping (Gerund)

Activity or Experience: Use the gerund "mopping" when you want to refer to the activity itself or the experience as a noun.

Example

Mopping is a tiring task.

Where can infinitives/gerunds be placed in a sentence?

To mop (Infinitive)

  • 1Subject

    To mop is an important household chore.

    To mop is an important household chore.

    • "*To mop*" serves as the subject of the sentence.
    • Infinitive phrase (subject) + verb (is) + noun phrase (an important household chore).
  • 2Object

    She wants me to mop the kitchen.

    She wants me to mop the kitchen.

    • "Me *to mop* the kitchen" is the object of the verb "wants."
    • Noun (She) + verb (wants) + noun phrase (me *to mop* the kitchen).
  • 3Adjective Modifier

    I need a clean mop to mop the floors.

    I need a clean mop to mop the floors.

    • "*To mop* the floors" modifies the noun "mop."
    • Noun (I) + verb (need) + noun phrase (a clean mop *to mop* the floors).

Mopping (Gerund)

  • 1Subject

    Mopping requires a lot of effort.

    Mopping requires a lot of effort.

    • "*Mopping*" is the subject of the sentence.
    • Gerund (subject) + verb (requires) + noun phrase (a lot of effort).
  • 2Object

    I enjoy mopping the floors.

    I enjoy mopping the floors.

    • "*Mopping* the floors" is the object of the verb "enjoy."
    • Noun (I) + verb (enjoy) + gerund (*mopping* the floors).
  • 3Object of Preposition

    She has a dislike for mopping.

    She has a dislike for mopping.

    • "For *mopping*" is the object of the preposition "for."
    • Noun phrase (She) + verb (has) + noun phrase (a dislike for *mopping*).

Verbs Taking Infinitives/Gerunds as Objects

The following are verbs that can take only the base form of the verb (infinitive), only the -ing form (gerund), or both.

Verbs Taking Infinitives as Objects

Example

She plans to mop the entire house tomorrow.

They hope to mop the floors before the party starts.

He wants to mop the bathroom today.

We decided to mop the kitchen first.

They agreed to mop the office together.

Verbs Taking Gerunds as Objects

Example

She enjoys mopping the kitchen every evening.

They recommend regular mopping for cleaner floors.

I dislike the idea of mopping the entire house.

He avoids mopping in small spaces.

Can you imagine yourself mopping the floors every day?

Verbs Taking Both Infinitives and Gerunds as Objects

Example

She likes to mop the floors with a scented cleaner. She likes mopping the floors with a scented cleaner.

We started to mop the kitchen first. We started mopping the kitchen first.

He began to mop the entire house. He began mopping the entire house.

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